I think Caleb Williams has gone too far. Are there any consequences for him?
See this is where the pro wrestling fan in me comes out. I don’t mind verbal jabs. It builds emotion and adds to the meaningfulness of games, especially in the NFC North. Dirty play on the field is one thing, but the rest is fair game. I mean, who doesn’t love a good rivalry? It’s what made the NBA during the Jordan era so much fun.
Wes, the players draw us in. I was 11 and barely aware of football when the Pack traded for Favre, that started it. Like you, I was a Jordan kid and a big fan of Big Mac in the ’90s. The first non-Packer I was ever a fan of was Mike Alstott, and that took my love of football beyond Lambeau. Last year, my son started watching Panthers hockey, and I got roped in by Sergei Bobrovsky and Matthew Tkachuk. Without the personalities on and off the field, or ice, there is nothing to be a fan of.
Exactly. Same genre, different series. Time is the most valuable commodity. Spoff and I owe you all a debt of gratitude for the time you invest in this column and packers.com. Consuming any form of content requires investment and you need to earn those eyeballs. If you don’t hook the consumer and reel them in, you’ve lost the battle.
I spent almost 30 years at daily newspapers before a forceable transition to trade journalism. Given that you two are captive employees of the organization you report on, you are in a similar position. I’ve found adhering to the same principles of fairness, accuracy and truthfulness still yields the best results. As sports journalism continues to devolve into shouting matches, I admire how you two still take the high road. Thank you.
I could have worked in newspapers forever if it was a more stable business model, but I didn’t want to take that risk. My parents allowed me to go K-12 in the same district (shout out Howard/Suamico) and I wanted to give my son that opportunity, as well, if I could swing it. At the same time, I approach this job no differently than my decade at the Press-Gazette. That’s still my foundation when brainstorming and executing story ideas.
Jeff from Indian Lake, NY
Well, you started it, Weston. Let’s see those journalism credentials, pics or it didn’t happen! In all seriousness, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of vitriol you and Mike have to wade through in this space on a daily basis. I read Insider Inbox because I enjoy it, because it’s informative, and because I trust your opinions to be informed, but just opinions. We’re all entitled to them, just wish more would keep it to themselves. Thanks for all you do!
What was it that Carmen Policy once told his son Ed? “Well, thank God they care?” It’s a free Q&A; proceed as you will.
Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL
I enjoyed the rant about what sports journalism is now anyways. Do you guys ever wish the older model of ESPN would come back? It was much more about the players and who they were as people. It was also more fun and relaxed. Stuart Scott, Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, etc.
The worst thing about journalism in the modern day is ego and this notion of “dunking” on another person with your “take” on a topic that’ll expire quicker than the 2% milk in your refrigerator. I miss the days when ESPN and other major outlets provided us with news we wanted through entertaining and fun-loving personalities. I feel like that’s what made “Inside the NBA” so timeless. It was the perfect blend of information, discussion and personality.
Donald from Philadelphia, PA
Hey II, I know you guys don’t need my validation, but I wanted to send a quick note on the “trusted journalism” nonsense. In my mind, this site in general and both of you in particular are the absolute epitome of trusted journalism. I know when I read something here, it’s the truth. That’s so meaningful in this day and age. If I ever do anything worth being written about, I hope my Packers fandom is enough of a connection that one of you guys writes the story. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you, Donald. I appreciate that.
I was wondering if you could help me understand something. You speak often in this space about how the old, six-team-per-conference playoff format was preferable to the current system (I agree completely!). But you also mention how MLB’s expanded playoff is a watering-down of things…even though they moved to the exact same format that the NFL used to have. Why is the MLB system a problem when the same system worked so well for the NFL? Thanks for all that you do!
Because MLB plays all those darn games. It used to mean something to make the playoffs, which made a 162-game regular season worth it. I remember jumping on the table in my family living room when the Brewers ended their 26-year postseason drought in 2008. Now, MLB has 12 teams in the playoffs and three-quarters are playing a best-of-three series to advance. To each their own, but that doesn’t work for me…brother.